Development of a high sensitivity quantum dot-based fluorescent quenching lateral flow assay for the detection of zearalenone

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a common carcinogenic toxin related to cereal contamination. In this study, we developed a high sensitivity quantum dot (QD)-based fluorescent quenching lateral flow assay (LFA) for sensitive ZEN detection. The linear detection range of the fluorescent quenching LFA for ZEN was 0.78-25 ng/mL, and the limit of detection was 0.58 ng/mL. In addition, the fluorescent quenching LFA showed high recovery (83.1-93.6%) for detection of ZEN concentrations spiked into corn samples. These results indicate that the QD-based fluorescent quenching LFA may be a valuable tool for preliminary screening of ZEN contamination.